The Chicago Whie Sox announced yesterday that they would “unretire” number 11, the number word by Luis Aparicio, for current Venezuelan Shortstop/Utility guy Omar Vizquel.  As I have written many times, there is a long history of Venezuelan Shortstops in the major leagues.  Chico Carrasquel began the line, Little Luis Aparicio followed along, as did Dave Concepcion, Ozzie Guillen and of course, Omar Vizquel.  When Omar signed with the Sox this off-season, he knew right away he couldn’t wear #13 as he had all of his career in honor of Concepcion, so he went about getting permission from Aparicio to don his retired number 11.

While I agree that to “unretire”  a number, opens up a very slippery slope, I believe that this instance is a great way to honor the history of the game.  There is a direct link between these two players, one follows from the other.  And Vizquel has such a great reputation, that he honors the number 11 and Luis by wearing it.

The White Sox it seems have also hired an ad firm to help market the team towards hispanics.  Doesn’t this move make that firms job even easier?  Sure, I know that Omar Vizquel is not exactly the center of the team, or a guy to market around- but wearing the number of one of the Whie Sox greats certainly gives the team, and the ad men, something to build around.

Don’t get me wrong.  I am not even trying to imply that this is just a gimmick. This Dave Van Dyck piece will give you the background and the quotes from both Vizquel and Aparicio so that you know its not made up.  But at time when the White Sox are ready to promote their team to hispanics, it sure is nice they have a history there that also can be promoted.